Depo-Provera is a brand name for medroxyprogesterone acetate, a female contraceptive injection that contains the hormone progestin. Conveniently called injection or PD, it was approved in 1992 by the Federal Drug Administration as a type of contraception (Shoup, 2012). The progesterone contained in the infusion is similar to that produced naturally by a woman's reproductive system. Once administered, the contraceptive leaves a deposit of medroxyprogesterone which is released gradually over a period of 12 weeks to prevent pregnancy. And it is very effective, durable and requires little adhesion. How the method is used The first dose of 150 mg of Depo-Provera is administered by deep intramuscular injection into the Gluteus Maximus muscle using a Z-track method (Depo-Provera, 2018). It works similarly to the implant because it slowly releases the hormone progesterone into the bloodstream. It is administered on the first five days of the menstrual cycle for an immediate contraceptive effect; Although administering it later will require an additional method for at least seven days, the injection is then repeated after twelve weeks and at that point must be administered before five days. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay After delivery, the person can receive the injection as early as five days after delivery if they are not breastfeeding. However, this can lead to prolonged bleeding. Patients therefore need advice before administering DP. On the other hand, if the injection interval exceeds 12 weeks and five days, a pregnancy test must be carried out beforehand and, after administration, the patient must use an additional contraceptive for 14 days. Again, when a patient switches to another hormonal contraceptive, she should work on a regimen that suits her. This means that if you are using oral pills and switching to DP, the injection must be given within seven days of taking the last active pill. Women concerned about Depo-Provera need a doctor's advice about potential side effects, including bleeding irregularities, weight gain, bone mineral density, and delayed return to fertility. How it prevents pregnancy PD prevents conception in three important ways. The first is to prevent the ovary from releasing an egg each month to prevent ovulation. It inhibits ovulation by lowering the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) and eliminating the LH surge (Hampton, 2013). Suppression of FSC results in the concomitant destruction of estradiol and estrone production in the ovaries (Perry 2014). Some other processes include thickening of natural cervical mucus; make the endometrium less receptive to implantation and ensure that cilia activity in the fallopian tube is limited. Side Effects One of the most significant effects of Depo-Provera is weight gain, which affects approximately 1% of patients. A woman may experience a weight gain of approximately 2.25 to 3.5 kg during the first two years of use (PR, 2013). Weight increases with prolonged use; Therefore, users should consider weight management to manage their weight. The injection also causes menstrual changes, including amenorrhea or heavy bleeding and spotting. That being said, practicing nurses should note that Depo-Provera lowers estrogen levels, resulting in a loss of BMD. They must therefore exercise great caution towards adolescents and young womenunder 21 years of age, as they may have immature bones, and regularly reassess the risks and benefits. One study demonstrated that women aged 21 to 51 who used Depo-Provera for five years had reduced bone density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck, particularly those whose family had a history of osteoporosis ( PR, 2013). However, when you stop using it, bone density returns to normal. Some short-term side effects are headache, abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, and mood changes and decreased libido. Unique Benefits When used correctly, DP is 99% effective, meaning that fewer than 1 in 100 people using the contraceptive injection become pregnant within a year (Mumuni, 2014). Again, as it lasts for several weeks, there will be no pregnancy. the pressure to think about contraceptives every time you want to have sex. It is therefore a good method for women who easily forget to take the daily contraceptive pill. Additionally, the contraceptive injection provides limited protection against ovarian cancer and pelvic inflammatory disease because thickened mucus in the cervix can prevent bacteria from entering the uterus (Perry 2014). It is also not affected by other medications and does not interrupt sexual intercourse. The injection is also a suitable choice for those who cannot use estrogen-based contraceptives such as the combined pill, patch or vaginal ring. The injection sometimes reduces heavy, painful periods and relieves premenstrual symptoms in some women. Protection against STIs Women who use Depo-Provera are at higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases. They are more likely to contract chlamydia or gonorrhea within a year than those who take birth control pills or non-hormonal contraceptives. In fact, approximately 150 million cases of chlamydia and gonorrhea are reported worldwide each year and are responsible for diseases such as infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PR 2013). For this reason, sexually active women with more than one sexual partner should consistently use condoms. They can also reduce the number of partners to reduce the risk of STIs. The injection works by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs, thereby protecting against pregnancy. However, this does not protect against infections of the reproductive tract. The injectable contraceptive decreases estrogen levels, thus leading to susceptibility to vaginal and cervical infections. Women should therefore consider using condoms alongside contraceptive injection for dual protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Cost and where to get them. Most contraceptives are available in most general GP surgeries, community contraceptive clinics and genitourinary medicine (GUM). ) clinics. Getting the contraceptive vaccine is easy because it can also be obtained at sexual health clinics that offer contraceptives and STI testing services. Its cost depends mainly on your place of residence and your health insurance. In cases where a test is required before the injection, there may be additional costs, and can cost approximately between $0 and $250 (Varney, 2015). What's good is the Affordable Care Act; one gets free birth control coverage. Contraceptive services are also offered free of charge, even to those who.